Expectations turn sour

Press, 26 February 1980, Page 16

Expectations turn sour

The New Zealand Cricket Council seemed to be singularly fortunate when the scheduled tour by the West Indies coincided with the celebration of New Zealand’s first 50 years in test cricket. There could not, it appeared, have been a more attractive team to brighten a summer of special significance.

The tour, however, has simply lengthened the list of casualties in international sport, which suffers as it grows in public support, competitiveness, and high incomes for the top performers. The West Indians in the past have been'among the most popular of cricket’s. visitors, for their joy in the game, their friendliness, and their ability.

The 1980 team has shown little of these attributes. The sit-in at Lancaster Park brought to a head a situation which has developed steadily in the last couple of weeks. Conferences with New Zealand officials, international toll calls and team meetings have gone into a decision that the tour will proceed, but now unfortunately, the visitors’ sportmanship and petulance has blemishied what had promised to be a memorable occasion.

It is clear that at least some of the West Indians are continuing with the present test match, and the one to come at Auckland, only under sufferance. In such circumstances, even the most loyal cricket supporter will be glad when the tour is done.